Reputation from cindygs

cindygs reacted to maggiesmiles in My VGS story ~ just the beginning! January 16, 2014

First let me say, I have been overweight my entire life. Aside from the occasional teasing, or family telling me they just wish I could get it under control, I lived a pretty healthy, happy, active life. I just remember always being hungry, chasing the next meal, even as a young girl. I have been on a diet since I was seven years old, when I wanted a gold bikini for the lake. My mom calmly explained to me that fat girls don't get to wear bikinis and if I could lose weight, I could have it.
So began the constant state of either being in a mode of deprivation (not giving into the hunger and cravings - yay me) or a state of indulgence (I deserve this treat, I've been doing so well). Who knows if I would have gotten as heavy as I had if I hadn't started the yo-yo dieting. I remember in seventh grade, when I made cheerleading, they weighed us. I was 5'3 and 172 pounds. The girl closest to my weight was 129.
I've heard my entire life, "You have such a pretty face!" or "You carry your weight so well!" I had told myself that it was better to accept myself than to keep killing myself for six months to lose 40 pounds only to put back on 50 over the next six months.
Finally, I was going through a lot in my life and went in for my annual physical at the age of 33. Imagine my surprise when the scale said 252 pounds! I weighed 235 when I was two weeks overdue with my son. My doctor asked if I had thought about weightloss surgery. Shocked and dismayed, I said no. I always thought I wasn't too far gone to make a permanent change for the better on my own.
After the appointment, I really started thinking and researching. Stats told me I had a 3% chance of losing the weight and, most importantly, of keeping it off, on my own. I thought about my Dad and my aunt, who are kind of my genetic roadmaps, and the ups and downs I've seen them go through -- their entire lives. I tried to think of anyone in my Irish-German family who had successfully lost the weight and kept if off. No one.
I had my first appointment 11.5.13 and got sleeved 1.7.14 -- no insurance, but luckily I was able to pull the money from my life savings. I'm only a week over my post op date, but I already feel so liberated, like I have a chance at the one thing I could never get control of in my life -- my weight and my health.
I never heard anyone in my family, no women or men, tell me they liked the way they look. I want my son and my nieces to know I'm going to take care of myself and my body because I love my body, not because I hate it. I want to lead them through healthy choices and find physical activity that they love. Just like the cycle of abuse, the cycle of obesity is difficult to break. I'm doing this for me -- but also, I'm doing it for them.
I've been reading all your posts and I just want to thank each of you -- your courage to share, to support, to do what you've done -- you've inspired me and for that I will always be grateful.
-Maggie

cindygs reacted to stepheff in ONE YEAR SLEEVE-AVERSARY ! January 16, 2014

My journey began long ago, but on January 11th, 2014 I was one year out from surgery. It has been an incredible journey with many highs and just as many lows! I remember back to the day I had surgery when my husband asked me if I'd do it all over and my response was "NO!". It sucked not being able to even drink Water, well I could drink Water, but not as I could the day before surgery. I remember taking small painful sips of everything. Being fat was so much easier. I still to this day think being fat is so much easier. The sleeve is not "the easy way out" as many people who are uneduacted on the procedure believe. If it was easy more people would do it. It takes a lot of work for the preliminary processes and after is even more work. I have so much respect for people who take the initiative to do what is best for them in all aspects of life and in my life my initiative was to live a much longer, healthier life for myself, my kids, and my husband. I do not regret the surgery ever. I have temptations and yes sometimes wish I could go to the buffet and eat like it's my last day on Earth, but knowing what is right and what I put in my mouth has an effect on my tomorrow is what guides me to make the right decisions. I would love to be able to answer questions for anyone who is questioning the procedure and I challenge those who tell me it's the easy way out. I as a mother, wife, friend, and RN support those in the same spot I was one year ago and encourage everyone to do what is best for you! You are in control and determine your happiness and future!
On January 11th, 2013 I weighed 273lbs
On January 11th, 2014 I weigh 168lbs
I included a before and after. The after is from a couple of months ago!

cindygs reacted to McButterpants in Kinda cheated........... :( January 11, 2014

The sun will rise tomorrow and the earth will still spin on it's axis.
You're fine! You got this.

cindygs reacted to dma2013 in Help! Protein is killing me! December 28, 2013

I only drink premier ready made shakes. They are a little bit more expensive, but in my opinion well worth it Don't give up you really need to get the Protein in!

cindygs reacted to McButterpants in Yes, I had WLS and YES, I *AM* doing this on my own. December 27, 2013

Great post!
We hear so many times the WLS is the easy way out. Yeah, this is the easy way out...living on Protein shakes for months (pre-op and post-op). The mental game can be a killer! Stepping on the scale during a stall can be unbearable. Being hungry, really hungry and taking 25 minutes to eat 1/4 cup of food can be frustrating beyond belief. Oh, and how about not being able to poo for 5 days - yeah, this is a blast!
I'm 5 weeks out and still waiting for the "easy" part!
Thanks for posting!

cindygs got a reaction from TD41 in Probably gonna tick some people off.......lol December 26, 2013